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New Jersey Voters Deciding On School Budgets Today

TRENTON, NJ (AP / CBSNewYork) - Voters in most New Jersey school districts get a say on their taxes Wednesday.

WCBS 880's Levon Putney With Frank Belluscio, Director Of The New Jersey School Boards Association

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Unlike in other states, voters get a direct say on their taxes to pay for schools. They'll also vote on school board candidates.

Even though the state has the highest average property tax bill in the U.S., the majority of budget plans are routinely accepted. But last year, nearly 60 percent were rejected as Gov. Chris Christie campaigned against the proposals in towns where teachers did not agree to voluntary pay freezes or health insurance co-payments.

This time, taxes in most towns are not allowed to go up by more than 2 percent.

The unusual Wednesday voting date came about to avoid a conflict with the Passover holiday.

Voting hours vary by community.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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